An Ecological Assessment of the Bureau of Land Management’s Current Fire Management Practices

Abstract

This ecological assessment evaluates the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) current fire management plans in Arizona and provides recommendations for future planning. The Nature Conservancy conducted a statewide review of Phase I fire management polygons and prescriptions, focusing on their ecological relevance. A major component was a comprehensive grassland assessment, which revealed extensive shrub encroachment and a 22% loss of historic grasslands over the past century. BLM manages over 1.4 million acres of open and restorable native grasslands, presenting significant opportunities for restoration using fire. However, 56% of grasslands require more than three growing seasons of grazing rest before burning, and 43% require over five seasons. Analysis of fire occurrence data (1980–2002) showed that most fires were small and occurred in fire-adapted communities, supporting expanded use of wildland fire for resource benefit. Additional deliverables included a historic fire regime map, a state-and-transition vegetation model for the Great Basin Transition Zone, and a revised Wildland Urban Interface layer. Recommendations emphasize aligning fire prescriptions with historic fire return intervals, revising polygon designations based on vegetation ecology, and integrating grazing management to restore fire’s ecological role. These actions will enhance BLM’s ability to maintain and restore grasslands, improve habitat, and reduce wildfire risk.

Citation

Schussman, Heather  and David Gori. 2004. An Ecological Assessment of the Bureau of Land Management’s Current Fire Management Practices: Materials and Recommendations for Future Fire Planning. The Nature Conservancy, Tucson, AZ 113 pp.